“Enjoy the little things, for one day you may look back and realize they were the big things.” ~Robert Brault
This is my new habit.
Yes, I do long for the days where I don’t have messy diapers to change and picky toddlers to feed and where I don’t have to constantly remind the little ones to use their quiet feet so they don’t disturb the neighbors who live below us. But when these things are gone, so will all the other things that I cherish – the sounds of laughter which emanate from the kids room while they happily play together, the slobbery kisses and tender snuggles I am adorned with throughout the day and the peaceful and quiet moments that come at night when I sneakily check on the children as they slumber.
It is here in their room, in the still hours of the night, that I am often filled with awe and wonder. These souls that have been sent to me are so precious. Sometimes it is hard to remember this during the chaos and busyness of the day.
This last week has been kind of rough on all of us. Being sick, being homebound, and not being able to get my natural daily high from working out is taking its toll. As I work on enjoying the little things, I want to remember to take the time to make the kids laugh and to have my daily happy moments. I also want to add one more baby step to the process.
Before I leave my room in the morning to greet the craziness that awaits me, I want to make sure I have on my gratitude filled and optimistic face. I think this might help change the entire outlook of my day. Every morning I already take about 15-20 quiet minutes to prep myself for the day – making the bed, saying my prayers, going over my list of things to do – so this should be pretty easy to add to the routine. Although, I might have to make myself a little reminder sign to stick on the backside of our door.
I might also need to start spending a little less time on the computer. Family first, blogging second.
For more information on how you can join Smart Habit Saturday and make positive changes in your life, please visit Lara of The Lazy Organizer.
Good one. Such a very, very good one!
“By small and simple things are great things brought to pass.” So true, so simple, which is probably why so many just don’t get it. They think solutions should be more complicated than that.
Great post! And, for the record, that quote about the little things is one of my favorites, and the mantra that I try to live by!
Great idea!! I need to make an effort to put on my grateful, happy face each morning. Will you come live with me???
I need to work on my “happy face” too. Sometimes I have a hard time turning my frowny face upside down. Especially when I discover that my new shirt was dry clean only and now that I’ve washed it in warm water it fits my 7 year old. That makes my face really grumpy.
BEAUTIFUL. Every word of it! How blessed those little souls are to have your outlook in their lives.
Great post, will try and do myself
Great post. That’s one thing I enjoy about scrapbooking, capturing those fleeting moments & recording the memories before they fade. I have so the opposite of a happy grateful face when I have to take hubby to work before the sun comes up and now even on weekends the kids wake up early out of habit. I suppose I should change my perspective and be glad that he’s home while he is and that he has a job that provides us income. Thanks!
Awesome ideas this morning. I’m hoping to get myself back into getting up earlier than the rest of my family. It helps so much.
Happy Days!
I really like your take on this! I have been there myself wishing I could bypass some of the babyhood moments, thinking that if they could just talk things would be so much easier – HA! So I like the challenge of just appreciating the good in life AT THE MOMENT and not waiting for it to get “easier” or “back to normal” cause is there really any such thing? Have a great and SMART week!
My baby is only 6 months, so there are a lot of things I wish I could skip. I try to remind myself regularly that these times will be gone in no time and I can’t get them back. I’ll have to bookmark your post. You said it beautifully!
You know, it’s strange how a mother never stops being a mother. Even when the little ones are grown with little ones of their own, the instinct still comes to the top of the heap and you still cherish those little things. You always want to pave the way and wipe away their sorrows, and in the middle of trying to do that, you get hurt all over again. Putting on the happy face continues to be necessary.
You’ve got the right idea. Keep appreciating those precious moments.
Go. You! This is great post. I’ve been having a lot of trouble lately, too, and you said it so much better than I could. It’s all about attitude isn’t it? Have a great week!!
Isn’t it so hard sometimes trying to create a balance? Working out, taking care of kids, husband, trying to clean, taking time for yourself! It all seems overwhelming sometimes. You are so goal oriented! I need to be more like you!
Your mornings sound just like mine, when my kids were young. Prioritizing the quiet time (after I’d exercise) was essential. Time with God made a happier Mama
Great post. Take off the time you need!
Sandy
I think this is something all of us mothers should do. thanks for your post
I’m working on spending less time on the computer as well. But it keeps pulling me in!
What a wonderful post. This should be on all our new habit posts. Your right in all the craziness it is easy to forget how precious they are and what a blessing it is to have them. I do try and remember this daily but it has to be a conscious effort I find, it doesn’t just happen. I have been meaning to try and make time for myself before the craziness starts but have never got there yet, maybe its time to start……………..good luck.
All too soon all our kids will be launched so to speak. I am going to spend this last year enjoying my wonderful teenagers–same as I enjoyed all the others before they were launched! Children are such a precious gift.
Bravo. Thanks.
It is here in their room, in the still hours of the night, that I am often filled with awe and wonder. These souls that have been sent to me are so precious. Sometimes it is hard to remember this during the chaos and busyness of the day.
Oh how true! What a lovely post.
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when was this quote said and where was it said?